Aston Villa have had little to shout about during their current run of poor form, but Matthew Lowton believes goalkeeper Brad Guzan should be getting more credit for his regular heroics.

Guzan, 30, helped end Villa’s run of six straight defeats in last weekend’s 0-0 draw at West Ham United with five outstanding saves, earning a place on the Premier League’s team of the week for his efforts.

Nevertheless, despite that honour, Lowton stresses that not enough plaudits can be given to the American international, and admits that the club would still be searching for their first point since September without his reliable presence in between the sticks.

"The save he made against Spurs when Emmanuel Adebayor was clean through on goal kept us in the game.

"I didn't realise how good his save was against West Ham until I watched it back on the highlights - he's going one way and he's had to jump the other way to tip it away - it was a world class save."

Lowton added, however, that Guzan would have had a lot more work to do against West Ham were it not for the performances of captain Ron Vlaar and Nathan Baker, singling the pair out for particular praise.

“Ron was phenomenal at the World Cup. He has brought that experience back which has helped us,” he said.

"He talks us through situations and is a rock.

"Nathan puts his head where it matters and that's what helps us keep clean sheets.

Freddie Shires

Freddie is a freelance sports writer, having recently completed an MA in Sports Journalism at St. Mary’s University, Twickenham. With an especially keen interest in all things American sports-related, he has written extensively about the NFL, MLS and the U.S. national team for various sites.